Broca's arean. A small posterior part of the inferior frontal gyrus of the left cerebral hemisphere, identified as an essential component of the motor mechanisms governing articulated speech. Also called Broca's center, motor speech center.

(brō'kəz) An area located in the frontal lobe of the brain, usually in the left cerebral hemisphere. It is associated with the motor control of speech. Broca's area is named for French surgeon and anthropologist Pierre Paul Broca (1824-80), who first located the area.